St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-11-05


unique in reputation and position. Here
it is that the well-to-do East Indian civil
service man comes to recuperate, and
the military swell to lounge about in
aimless leisure from April to October in
each wear. Simla is situated on a slope
at the top of one of the higher ranges
of the Himalayas. From the most ele-
waited points on this ridge, itself snow
clad during the winter months, may be
discerned the region of perpetual white,
towering high in the midst of which
stands Everest, monarch of all the noun
tains.
For many years Simla has been the
recognized headquarters of the British
army in India. During six months in
the year-from October to April-much
of the correspondence is carried on from
Calcutta, but the most valuable military
records and the most important stand
ing orders are dated from this lofty
retreat It is also the seat of govern
ment during the hot season. Efforts
have been made from time to time to
have this honor conferred on one of the
other sanitariums, but so far these at
tempts have failed.
To the tourists and ordinary travellers
who pay flying visit there are but few
attractions there. To the overworked
government officials, however, it is SIM
ply paradise compared with even the
pleasantest location ON the plains.
During the season there is a continual
round of gayety. At no other point
throughout the vast Indian empire can
such host OF distinguished men be met
with at one time as at Simla. The jour
ney to Simla is no easy one. About the
10Th of April in each year migration
from the plains commences. The tenn
perature at Calcutta, Agra, Cawnpore,
and all other intermediate stations has
by that time become almost unbeara-
BILE to Europeans. Every day finds
the heat more oppressive. Waves of it
may be seen rising from the surface of
the earth. On each matdau or expanse
of uncultivated level surface mirage
becomes visible. Doors and windows
have to be closed after nine o'clock each
morning to keep out the glare and
minute particles of dry white dust.
Every room is darkened Shutters are
closed and blinds are drawn to their full
length. Punkahs, wide and deep
framework and fringe suspended from
the ceilings, running the full length or
width of each room, are set in motion oy
means of rope, and wave gently back and
forth, keeping the air in kind of breezy
agitation.
When these arrangements become nee
essary, persons who can afford to do 50
prepare for journey to the mountains.
There are number of places from which
to choose. Mama Tai, the Murree Hills
and Kasanti are among the most
popular of these. But the place-the
chosen camping ground of wealth, power,
beauty and fashion-is Simla. The cost
is much greater, but the prestige gained
by residence at the seat of government is
q compensation for any additional ex-
penditures for travelling, rent, the supply
of servants and the necessaries of life
Instructions are issued by heads of
families as to the packing and dispssi-
sion of baggage, the house or 6ungaloao is
closed up, one or two chosen servants are
sent on jim advance to look after personal
property and superintend operations at
the other end, and train is then taken for
Umballa, in the Sirhnid military division.
Short stops are made, perhaps, at Ben
ares, Allahabad, Cawnpore, Agra and
Delhi. This is the usual route by rail,
and travelling is, when possible, done at
night, or rather from sunset to sunrise.
At the last-named station everythingi Is
In readiness. The master of the house
hold, if he is wise, has written or tele-
graphed instructions. BullOck-carts are
waiting at the railroad station for the
baggage and dGk-ghGrrses are in readiness
to convey the now somewhat tired party
to their destination. Paterfamilias un-
dertakes to look after the unloading and
transfer of household goods. in COM
pany with faithful bearer or native
servant, who DULLES the coolies and
goads the bullock drivers almost to
desperation.
Then comes slight repast, consisting
principally of coffee and biscuits, after
which the party proceed to occupy the
seats reserved for them in the Charles
or open vehicles provided. Swift and
sure-footed horses are attached to each
carriage. The drivers, too, are unusually
well-skilled in their craft. Often, as
they speed along, with their horses at a
swinging gallop, the outer wheel runs
for yards within foot of the edge of
precipice several hundred feet in depth.
An error of Judgment for moment or
sudden witch at the reins means instant
death to all who have risked their lives
in the venture.
Horses are changed several times dur
ing the journey, and a halt is made at
Kalka, close to the foot of the hills or
Lower Himalayan range. The servants
who were sent on ahead have ordered
breakfast to be in readiness. When the
party arrive at the dat-bungaloao it is wait
ing. A "brush up" delicious breakfast
disposed of, brief chat for five or ten
minutes whilst horses are being har-
messed, and away they 60 spinning over
the road again toward the Mecca of their
little pilgrimage, full Of hope and joyful
anticipations.
After rafting drive around the lower
ranges Simla is reached The gharry
or chaise is brought to a halt on the |
lower road near the postoffice, where
iagmep0ns are in waiting to convey the
party to that section of the station where
their intended residence is situated.
For the information of those who do
not know what a jhampan is, I will say
that the ordinary conveyance of that
name Is kind of box high enough for
one person to be seated in comfort and
long enough to admit of reclining at full
length. Canvas is thrown over the
sides and ends to keep out the rays of
the sun and the particles Of dry dust